SOUTHEND’S sporting heroes have been honoured at the borough’s sports awards.

The prizegiving ceremony, which was held at the Cliffs Pavilion in Westcliff, recognised and celebrated the people behind the very best in sport throughout Southend.

They were nominated by fellow sports people and other colleagues.

And athletics star George Elliott won young sports personality of the year, while Simon Deakin, who played for England in the Football Seniors World Cup, was named sports personality of the year.

Other winners on the night included swimmers Barton Townley and Jo Jo Cranfield, plus Southend Judo Club and athletics coach Ron Dawson.

Those shortlisted for an award at the awards received their trophies from Alex Dowsett, a cycling time trial silver medallist from the 2010 Commonwealth Games, along with Southend-on-Sea Borough Council’s executive councillor for culture and tourism, councillor Derek Jarvis, and Southend’s deputy mayor, councillor Sally Carr.

The council’s leisure officer Kevin Read was pleased with how the evening went.

“This prestigious annual event brought together the many people that work tirelessly in sport across the borough, as well as those that excel in their chosen sport,” said Read.

“The awards evening is an excellent way to recognise their contribution to sport and with just over 250 days to go until the Olympic Games, the Southend Sports Awards was a very special evening.”